Chrome OS: Tips, tools, and other Chromebook intelligence

Google’s Chrome OS platform sure has come a long way.

From the early days, when Chrome OS was little more than an experimental “browser in a box,” to today — with the platform powering first-class hardware and supporting a diverse range of productivity applications — Google’s once-crazy-seeming project has turned into one of the world’s most intriguing and rapidly expanding technological forces.

I’ve been covering Chrome OS closely since the start. I lived with the first Chromebook prototype, the Cr-48, and have used Chromebooks as part of my own personal computing setup in varying capacities ever since. I write about the field not only as someone who’s studied it professionally from day 1 but also as someone who has used it personally that entire time, up through today.

So whether you’re relatively new to the realm of Chrome OS or are a Chromebook veteran yourself, I’m happy to join you on your journey and act as your guide. On this page, you’ll find all my latest Chrome OS coverage — the original analysis, the tips ‘n’ tricks, and everything in between. I’ll be updating it regularly as new subjects come up, so check back often and stay ahead of the curve with your Chromebook knowledge.

Chrome OS basics

Is Chrome OS right for you? A 3-question quiz to find out

Chromebooks aren’t like regular computers — so are they right for your needs? These three questions will help you (or anyone else you know) find the answer.

The most important thing to check before buying a Chromebook

Save yourself from buyer’s remorse by thinking through what a Chrome OS device-maker won’t tell you.

Chromebook cheat sheet: How to get started

Got a new Chromebook? This guide will help you navigate the ever-expanding world of Chromebook apps and figure out how to make the most of Chrome OS.

The smart worker’s guide to using a Chromebook offline

Chrome OS may be cloud-centric at its core, but you can get plenty accomplished offline on a Chromebook — if you set things up thoughtfully in advance.

4 crazy Chromebook myths, debunked

Realize it or not, you (and/or your friends and colleagues) have probably heard plenty of hokum about Google’s Chrome OS platform. Time to separate fact from fiction.

6 important things you might not know about Chrome OS upgrades

Google’s Chrome OS isn’t like other operating systems, and the way it handles upgrades is no exception.

Reality check: Can you use a Chromebook for work?

Some fresh perspective on a Chromebook’s capabilities for professionals.

Chrome OS tips and advice

50 Chromebook tips for maximum productivity

Supercharge your Chrome OS experience with these time-saving tricks and techniques.

8 fast fixes for common Chrome OS problems

Solve your Chromebook woes and keep yourself productive with these easy-to-implement, expert-approved solutions.

6 useful Chrome OS features you probably aren’t using

Teach your Chromebook some helpful new tricks and set yourself up for more effective work — and play.

22 worthwhile ways to use Google Assistant on a Chromebook

Google Assistant is finally working its way into the fabric of Chrome OS, and it’s bringing with it some interesting new possibilities — as outlined here.

11 smart steps for managing files on a Chromebook

Working in Chrome OS? These are the efficiency-enhancing file tricks you’ve been missing.

The best new Chrome OS feature you aren’t yet using

This hidden Chromebook gem is well worth your while to uncover.

3 smart shortcuts for a curiously hidden Chrome OS command

Chromebook owners, take note: These are the shortcuts you’ve been missing.

How Chrome OS Virtual Desks could change the way you work

A new feature coming to Chromebooks has tons of productivity potential — but it’s up to you to put it to use.

Android apps for Chromebooks: The essentials

Turn your Chromebook into a uniquely versatile modern computing machine with these Chrome-OS-enhancing apps.

Linux apps on Chrome OS: An easy-to-follow guide

Linux apps can expand your Chromebook’s capabilities and open up all sorts of interesting options — but first, you have to know where to begin.

The best Linux apps for Chromebooks

Make your Chromebook even more capable with this carefully selected set of Linux apps for expanding Chrome OS’s potential as a business tool.

Crank up your Chromebook’s cloud-connecting power

With a few simple tweaks, your Chromebook can become an even more connected part of your cloud-centric setup.

How to turn any website into a custom Chrome OS app

A handy hack for customizing your Chromebook and bringing native app-like experiences to your favorite sites and services.

A time-saving typing tool that works anywhere in Chrome

Reclaim wasted time and watch your efficiency soar with this spectacularly useful cross-platform add-on.

A clever way to bring widgets into Chrome OS

Ever wish your Chromebook desktop could do more? This crafty hack is just the productivity-boosting upgrade you need.

Chrome OS analysis

2 colossal Chrome OS changes to keep an eye on

Google’s quietly working on two shape-shifting Chrome OS features that could completely change the nature of Chromebooks — for the better.

The most important Chrome OS feature of 2021 isn’t coming from Google

What a weird and wild twist for the ever-evolving Chromebook saga.

Google’s grand Chrome OS plan is finally coming into focus

A seemingly small switch gives us a monumental clue about the future of Chrome OS — and maybe beyond.

What Chrome OS needs to conquer next

Google’s Chromebooks are constantly evolving and expanding in reach, but there’s one tremendous opportunity still begging to be seized.

Google’s Chrome OS upgrade changes are a solid start

Google is committing to a more sensible approach for Chromebook software support. Huzzah! Now let’s see where this takes us.

It’s time to rethink the Chrome OS upgrade standard

The column that was written one month before Google committed to change. As I wrote then: Google’s handling of Chrome OS upgrades has long been an asset for the platform — but now, it’s starting to become a liability.

The wild thing about Windows apps on Chrome OS

With Google now offering a way to run Windows software on Chromebooks, things are about to get seriously weird.

Hands on: What it’s actually like to use Windows apps on Chrome OS

An up-close look at Google’s business-aimed plan for making Windows apps available on Chromebooks and what it’s like to rely on in the real world.

The hardware truth Google won’t tell you

Google doesn’t like to talk about it, but there’s one type of Android hardware you shouldn’t be buying — and that’s very much related to the state of Chrome OS.

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